PENNY POSTAGE.

Evening Post, Volume XXVI, Issue 15, 18 July 1883, Page 2

PENNY POSTAGE.

♦ Mr. Fish has etruok a popular chord in his quostion rclativo to tho establishment of a penny postage in this colony. Peoplo have long felt that thero is a palpablo inconsistency in tho imposition of the samo oharge for convoying a lettor to Kaiwarra or Karori as to Queensland or Western Australia, or any othor remqto colony of the Australasian group. The time has come when a penny stamp ought to carry a letter to any part of these islands. Of course, the Department will raise the usual warning cry of loss of revenue, but that is a mere bugbear, like the obstacles supposed to exist in the way of using one sort of stamps for all purposes. There may be a trifling loss at first on that one claBS of royonne, and it is quite clear that the loss, like the postage, will have to come out of the publio pocket. Tho_ public has to pay, whether in postages or in taxation, to make up the loss incurred in reduction of rates, so that point is not very material. But that there would bo an enormous gain in the general convenience by adopting a uniform penny postage in New Zealand nobody can pretend to doubt. We think that the publio may reasonably ask the Postmaster-Goneral to agroo to this concession, which he may rely upon it would bo exceedingly popular and acceptable.

The steamer Rotorua, which arrivod from tho South this aftornoon, brought up tho Tarawera's English and Australian mails. It is understood that Mr. W. H. Pilliot, M.H.R. for Stanmore, is likoly soon to place his resignation in the hands of tho Speaker, as his health is so precarious that his medical advisers consider it absolutely necessary that ho should for a time at least enjoy complete rest. Mr. Turnbull has signified his intention of moving in tho House for returns showing the amount expended on Parliament Buildings and Governmont Buildings up to date, including the expense of lighting Parliament Buildings by eleotricity. On Friday next Mr. Shaw is to ask the Ministor for Public Works whether ho will examino into the advisability of running a train from Wollington to Masterton, and vice versa, on Sundays, with a view of affording furthor facilitiea of travel? Mr. Bracken was to ask tho Minister of Railways, this aftornoon, if ho will issue instructions that ongino-drivers and firemon who may be reqnirod to work ovortime shall be paid for such overtime ; and also that tho number of hours constituting a day's work may bo clearly denned, so that tho hours workod as overtimo may bo thoroughly understood ? A return was furnished to the House yesterday of tho number of porsons who arrived in New Zealand from Australia during tho throe years ending 31st March, 1883, and of the number who departed for Australia during the same periods. These wero as follows: — Arrivals from Victoria, 10,633; departures for Victoria, 9653; arrivals from New South Wales and Queenshind, 7493; departures, 10,397 ; arrivals from South and West Australia, 11 ; departures, 83 ; arrivals from Tasmania, 1038 ; departures, 912. Grand total— Arrivals, 19,175; dedepartures, 21,045. Correspondence relating to the constitution and practice of tho Native Land Court was laid on the table yosterdav. His Hononr Judge Macdonald says the investigation of tribal titles to land, being of a vague nature, is of necessity a work of timo and patience. Another roason for delay is that the issues are not between a plaintiff and defendant ; sometimes there are a dozen counter claimants, each fighting his own battle and calling his own witnesses. Again, courts are only held in districts when a large mass of bnsiness has accumulated. An instance is given where soyon years' business was gazetted at onco. Fixed fees have now been introduced, as the result of previous complaints, for eolioitors in tha Court. '

A report of the recent meeting of shareholders of the Gear Meat Company will be found published as a supplement to our present issue. Money is apparently useful in^a gaol, as a prisoner at the prison enquiry°to-day said he had written three times to Mr. Catdwell for some money, as he was in need of it. We understand that tho case of Whiteford v. Williams, in which the plaintiff recently obtained judgment for J6350, will be brought under the notice of the Court ot Appeal at its next sitting. We are informed that application, on behalf of Mr. Caldwell, will be made for the production of letters to the Colonial Secretary by the Inspector of Prisons, with the intention of showing that it was by Captain Hume's efforts the commission was appointed. In accordance with a resolution passed at tho meeting of tho Gear Meat Preserving and Freezing Company on Monday, shareholders in that concern now possess one vote on the first five shares which they hold, another for every five more up to a hundred, and another for overy ten beyond that number. A supplement to tho New Zealand Gazette published yesterday, contains a proclamation declaring Fiji to be an infected place under the Public Health Act, 1876. It appears that tho steamer Poonah has arrived in that colony with 500 coolies, having on board coses of cholera, smallpox, and measles. Hence tho precautions which are being taken. Our morning contemporary has just imported from England and erected a new printing machine, manufactured by Payne and Son. It is what is known as a twofeeder Wharf edale, and is capable of printing about 3500 copies per hour. It is a vory beautiful specimen of workmanship, and would be a credit to any printing office in tho colony. It is well worthy of inspection by those intorosted in such matters. At the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, Thomas Ferritor and Daniol Egan wore each fined 5s and costs for the offence of drankenneßS. Mary Ann White, an incorrigible young woman, pleaded guilty to a charge of having been drunk and disorderly in Willis-street yesterday afternoon, and was mulcted in a penalty of 20s and costs, in default of payment, to be imprisoned for four days. Accnsed waa also fined 10s and costs for having wilfully broken a pane of glass in Kidney's Restaurant, Willis-Btreet, yesterday. This was all the business transacted. The most important case dealt with at tho weekly meeting of the Benevolent Institution yesterday afternoon was that of a woman whose husband had left here two or three years ago.' It appears that early in Juno sho was admitted to tho Hospital for the purpose of being treated for rheumatism in the arms and hands. Dr. Hammond came to tho opinion that she was an incurable, and discharged her on Thursday last. Yesterday morning Mr. A. G. Johnson, Secretary to the Committee, received a note that the woman desired to see him, and on visiting the place where sho was residing, he found her in a helpless state, hor hands and arms being considerably swollen. Dr. Collins, who was attending her, was also waited upon, and consented to visit hor gratuitously, provided the committeo paid for the necessary medicine. After some discussion the committeo decidod to request Dr. Hammond to state his reasons for discharging the pationt, and a resolution was also passed that Dr. Collins should be provided with medicine and asked to report on the condition of the woman when he first attended her. Complaints aro being made by several residents in May-street of depredations which aro being committed in their gardens by persons whose lovo for choice plants and flowers leads them to appropriate proporty which belongs to others. A gentleman who lives in that part of the town called at our office yesterday, and informed us that on Saturday night footprints, resembling those of a person about the age of 15 or 16, were discovered on the beds in his garden, and, on making a searching examination of the place, ho ascertained, to his annoyance, that several of his choicest flowers and plants had been carried away during tho timo the family were at tea. Similar thefts wero committed about the same timo in two or three gardens in Thorndon, and it is tho opinion of thoso who havo suffered that tho instigators in the matter aro the parents of children, who send their offspring out in order to accumulate quantities of plants, &c, with which to stook thoir own gardona. Tho report on the distribution of subsidies to public librarios was presented yesterday. The following aro the particulars : — Auckland, 91 libraries — Income, -£2359 la Id; subsidy, .£1212 15s 9d. Taranaki, 6 librarios —Income, ,£lO6 2s lid ; subsidy, .£67 0s lid. Wanganui, 8 libraries — Income, ,£829 5s Id ; subsidy, .£269 7s sd. Wollington, 17 libraries —Income, 17s 6d ; subsidy, .£559 8s 2d. Hawke's Bay, 21 libraries— lncome, 451299 12s 2d ; subsidy, J&77 11s 2d. Marlborough, 4 libraries— lncome, .£l9O 6s ; subsidy, J275 19s 6d ; Nelson, 26 libraries— lncomo, .£645 7s 7d ; subsidy, Is 3d. North Canterbury, 71 libraries — Incomo, .£2355 17a 4d; subsidy, JSIOBI 4s 4d ; South Canterbury, 9 libraries — Income, .£603 19s sd ; subsidy, .£216 19s sd. Westland, 15 libraries—lncome, w£7ls 4s lOd; subsidy, .£285 7s 2d. Otago, 59 libraries— lncomo, J2228 13s lid ; subsidy, .£969 10 a 3d. Southland, 27 librarios —Incomo, .£IOOO 5s 2d ; subsidy, .£438 9a 2d. Total, 354 libraries— lncome, .£14,045 18s; amount of subsidy, .£5992 14s 6d. Tho following business was di3po3od of at tho Residont Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon :— Harry Nicholls and Charles Servantes pleaded Not Guilty to informations charging them with an assault upon James Floyd, at Porirua, on tho 9th instant. Mr. Devino (Buckley, Stafford and Fitzherbert) appearod for the prosecution and Mr. Allan for tho defendant Servantes. Evidence having been taken, his Worship imposed a fino of 40s and coßts on Sorvantes and discharged the other defendant. Tho hearing of a charge of allowing a chimney to take fire, preferred against Stephen Greer, was adjourned till Tuesday William James, who failed to put in an appearance, was fined 58 and costs for having allowed a horso to wander at large. Michael Brcon, a railway navvy, admitted having been drunk and disorderly at Johnsonville on the Bth instant, and was mulcted in a penalty of 10s. Breen and a man named Nelson pleaded Not Guilty to a charge of having assaulted Mounted Conßtablo Hulse in the execution of his duty. The case was proved, and Breen was fined 10s and Nelson 20s. Tho report of tho Pacific Islands Annexation Committee was presented last night. The committee recommend the House to approve tho Bteps taken by tho Government, in conjunction with other of tho Australian colonies, to promote the establishment of British rule in certain islands of the Pacifio, and consider it tho duty of tho British Government to take steps for tho establishment of its rule over all the islands in the Pacific which aro not already occupiod by, or undor tho protectorate of a foreign power, and that on annexation of any island taking place care should be taken that provision be made for preserving the individual rights of tho inhabitants ; also, that in the event of tho British Government making it one of the conditions of establishing its authority over any islands in tho Pacific, it is recommended that New Zealand, jointly with the colonies of Australia, shonld contribute its fair proportion of necessary expense, calculated on tho basis of European populations of the British colonies now comprised in Australasia, provided that the amount of such proportionate expenditure, when ascertained, does not exceed tho means at tho disposal of New Zealand. The committee also rocommend that the Confederation and Annexation Bill, with the amendment proposed by the committee, be passed by the House, and that the papers relating to the subject be printed. The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Paul's was held hist evening at tho Churchroom, Tinakori-road, the Rev. R. J. Thorpo presiding. There was a moderate attendance. The Chairman, in tho conrso of his address, said ho was thankful to note tho efforts of many of the congregation in coses of need which had been brought under tho notice of tho congregation. They wero getting cramped for room in the Sunday School, and woro losing the valuable services of their superintendent, Mr. Powles. Commnnicants remained stationary. It was impossible for him to meet the varying demands of the parish, unless backed by lay helpers. He intended bringing before the vestry the need of a kinder-garten school. At first a small fee would be charged, and he thought after six months the school would be self-support-ing. A proposal was also before them for bringing the young women of the parish together. A chaplain for seamen was a necessity, and he thought help for such an object wonld be got from the Synod. What was also wanted was some one to volunteer to collect subscriptions for the various funds of the church. The report and balance-sheet wero of a satisfactory nature. The North transept had been extended to receive the organ at a cost of .£291 11s 4d, and the organ had bean thoroughly cleaned, costing £30 more. The church debt had been reduced by iilOO during the year, the debt now amounting to This reduction was partly due to a bequest of .£2OO from the late Miss Harriet Lewis. It was hoped that the church wonld be painted during this year. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:— Vc3trymon, Messrs. L. Stowe, H. C. Wilson, H. D. M'Kellar, C. P. Powles, G. H. Davics, C. D. Barraud, F. W. Pennefathor, W. H. Levin, W. T. Charlewood, and E. B. Brown. Messrs. Holliwell and Lowe were re-elected auditors. Mr. Kenneth Wilson was again nominated as minister's warden, and Mr. D. Anderson, jun., was, for tho fifth time, elected as parishioners' warden-

The annual meeting of St. Peter's choir is advertised for this evening. Jurors are notified in another column that the case Stuart v. Horcourt has been adjourned till Friday at 10 a.m. A meeting of the Philosophical Society is announced for this evening. The subjects of the papers aro advertised elsewhere. A printer's error occurred in our London telegram of 16th July, published yesterday. It should have been stated that tho 4£ per cent. Now Zealand 1879-1904 loan had de. clinedby2ostolol. The application made by tho Ladies' Christian Association for a sum of money, with which to purchase winter clothing for a number of orphans, was granted yesterday by the committee of the Benevolent Institution. Persistency does not always achieve success. A prisoner named Garret at the Dunedin Gaol enqniry at Mount Cook this morning, said, he had mado one complaint regularly for two years and a half without obtaining any redress. During the last week 4 male and 4 female patients havo been admitted into the Wellington Hospital ; 3 males and 4 females have been discharged, while 1 male has died. ThQro now remain in tho institution 34 males and 13 females. Tho Wellington Working Men's Club held the usual fortnightly concert last evening, when a most enjoyable evening was spent. Tho following took part in the proceedings : Measrß. Hedley (pianist), Cooper, Richardson, Mouat, Hollis, H. Tandy and W. Humphries. Tho enjoyable entertainment provided by Messrs. Stan field and Dark's olover little company was repeated at tho Theatre Royal last evening to another good houso. A change of programme takes place to-night, when the amusing comedietta entitled "A Happy Pair " will be played, and a number of now songs and sketches given. A court-martial was being hold this afternoon upon one of the members of the Wellington Guards, before Major Butts (President), and Captains Crowe and M'Credio. It is the first court-martial under tho now Volunteer Regulations which has been hold in the colony. At tho weekly meeting of tho committee of the Bonovolent Institution, yesterday afternoon, tho Treasurer (Mr. Powlosi explained that the sum of .£9OO whioh appeared against his name in tho list of liabilities in tho estate of E. H.Hunt, boot manufacturer, was an amount > invested by him on behalf of tho Institution. Tho sum was secured by first mortgage, and the Institution would not lose anything by the transaction. At the meeting of tho executive committee yesterday, it was decidod that, ciroumstancos permitting, the public boll to the Canterbury and Otago football teams should be held next Tuesday, tho 24th instant. An influential general committeo of prominent citizens is being formed, and thero seems every probability that the entertainment will bo a most successful one. Wo trust it will receive warm support at the hands of tho public. All necessary final arrangements will be settlod by the committee this evening. A private telegram received from Napior states that a large publio meeting was held at Gißborne last night by the Mayor, at tho request of Mr. Rees and others, re the Land Bill before Parliament. An amondment was carried unanimously " That this mooting strongly approves of the petitions signed by settlers of this district against tho Bill now before Parliament. " A second resolution was carried, that the Mayor telegraph the result to the Government. Ho, however, refused to-day to do bo, but said ho would, to Mr. M'Donald. Tho meeting, adds the telegram, was the largest held in Gisborne, and was called at ten hours' notico by Mr. Roes. A Gospel Temperance Society meeting was held lost evening at the Wesleyan Church, Adelaide-rood. There was a fair attendance. Mr. Blow, the chairman, ably introduced the object of the meeting, and was followed in very effective speeches by tho Roy. Mr. M'Neil and the Roy. A. J. Smith, and tho whole was wound up by_ a stirring speech by Mr. F. H. Fraser, who, in tho absonco of Mr. Tonka, was called upon by the chairman. Several donned the blue ribbon at tho invitation of the chairman. At the close of the meeting a conference was held to consider the formation of a Band of Hope for Adelaide Road and Nowtown, to be corned on jointly by tho three churches established in the district. Action will be tokon at once. A good deal of presenco of mind was shown by a sergeant in Sydney last week when the man who shot at a sentry rushod into the guardroom, and, as our cable message stated, "began firing promiscuously." One shot grazod tho sergeant, who, however, recognising that the man was a lunatic, said, "Come, drop that revolver, and shake hands." The madman did so, when he waa instantly overpowered. Messrs. Francis Sidey & Co. will sell tomorrow, on the promises, Manners-street, the bankrupt stock of W. Davidson ; and, at tho Arcade, unredeemed pledges. Messrs. T. Kennedy Macdonald & Co. will sell to-morrow, at 2 o'clock, a consignment of boots and shoes and a quantity of sundries, to close accounts, particulars of which are given in another column.

Mothers Should Note This :— Children's Underclothing at tho following reduced prioes at the To Aro Houso Surplus Stock Sale :— Plain Chemises— For child of 3 years, 9d; 5 years, 10d; 6 years, 10d; 7 years, Is ; trimmed chemises, for child of 4 years, Is 6d ; 6 yoars, Is lid ; these are 50 per cent, less than usual prices, at the Surplus Stock Sale To Aro House— Advt. Children's Night Dresses— Phiin, for child 3to 4 yoars, Is 9d ; 5 to 6 years, 2s 3d; 7 to 8 years, 2s lid; trimmed nightdresses, 4 to 5 years, 2s 6d ; 5 to G years, 2s 9d ; reduced to thcao prices in ordor to clear them out boforo stock-taking, at the Surplus Stock Sale To Aro House.— Advt. Children's Plain Drawers— For child 2 to 3 yoars, 9d; 3 to 4 years, lOd; 4 to 5 years, Is : sto 6 years, la 3d ; 6to 7 years, Is 4}d ; at tho Surplus Stock Salo To Aro House. — Advt. Children's Hoods— A suporior lot in wool, flannel, and velvet for la each ; cashmere hoods, Is 6d; merino frocks, Is; merino squares, 2s Gd ; worked frook bodies, 6d each ; and four boxes infants' outfits, each box containing frock and cape, trimmed embroidery, silk hat, tucked petticoat, quilted bib, shirt, and rattle for 4s 6d per box, at the Surplus Stook Sale Te Aro House. — Advt. Graves and Fleming aro now offering a large parcel of manufacturers' samples three ontiro Bet 3of whioh they were the successful tenderers. They will sell the same on Saturday and following week at less than English pricoa. This eeoson's samples, .£SOO worth, direct from the factory, all of which may be selected from on Saturday. i>2oo parcel of ladies' underclothing samples — ladies' drawers, excellent calico, well trimmed, Is 6d; ladies' chemises, good calico, nicely trimmed, la 6d ; lodiea' nightdressoa, best calico, handsomely trimmed, 2s lid ; drawera and chemises worth 3s 6d, nightdressoa worth 48 9d. .£250 special parcel of dress goods— Satin cloth, 7s lid full dress ; oobtume cloth, 9s 6d full dress ; real value of those goods is Is and Is 6d per yard. Graves and Fleming.— On Saturday and during the week all our departments are specially marked at still further reductions in order to clear. Sportsmen will be glad to learn that Messrs. Robt. Gardner & Co., Lambton Quay, have just received a socond shipment of " Kynock's Patent Perfect" Brass Cartridge Cases, together with suitable wads, caps, &c. These cartridge cases require no recappor or turnover, do not swell with tho wet, and are everlasting. They are Bold at a very slight advance on the green paper case.— Advt. Besides being a powerful and wholesome tonic, Wolfe's Schnapps is an unequalled brain medicine, imparting healthful vigor to that sensitive organ and to every fibre of the nervous system. — Advt.